Emergency crews suspend search for flooding victims in central Texas amid new flood warnings
Share this @internewscast.com

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Emergency responders halted their search for individuals affected by the severe flooding in central Texas on Sunday morning due to fresh alerts predicting that more rain would once again cause rivers to overflow.

It was the first time a new round of severe weather has paused the search since the flooding earlier this month.

The Ingram Fire Department instructed their search teams to leave the Guadalupe River area in Kerr County at once, as there is a significant risk of a flash flood. Rescue operations had been underway to locate those missing from the flooding over the July 4 weekend.

Search and rescue efforts were expected to resume on Monday, depending on river flow, Fire Department spokesman Brian Lochte said.

“We’re working with a few crews and airboats and SAR (search-and-rescue) boats just in case,” Lochte said.

As heavy rainfall persisted on Sunday, forecasters from the National Weather Service alerted that the Guadalupe River might climb nearly 15 feet (4.6 meters) by Sunday afternoon, exceeding flood stage by about five feet, enough to submerge the Highway 39 bridge near Hunt.

“Numerous secondary roads and bridges are flooded and very dangerous,” a weather service warning said.

The destructive, fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) on the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak on July 4, washing away homes and vehicles. Ever since, searchers have used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.

The floods laid waste to the Hill Country region of Texas. The riverbanks and hills of Kerr County are filled with vacation cabins, youth camps and campgrounds, including Camp Mystic, the century-old all-girls Christian summer camp.

Located in a low-lying area along the Guadalupe River in a region known as flash flood alley, Camp Mystic lost at least 27 campers and counselors and longtime owner Dick Eastland.

The flood was far more severe than the 100-year event envisioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, experts said, and moved so quickly in the middle of the night that it caught many off guard in a county that lacked a warning system.

The sheer amount of rain was overwhelming. Former NOAA chief scientist Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist, calculated on July 5 that the storm had dropped 120 billion gallons of water on Kerr County, which received the brunt of the storm.

This summer, flash flooding driven by bursts of heavy rain turned deadly elsewhere in Texas. In San Antonio in June, more than 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain fell over a span of hours, prompting dozens of rescues from the fast-rising floodwaters and killing at least 13.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Shooting at Oklahoma State University residence hall leaves multiple victims

Multiple Injuries Reported in Oklahoma State University Dorm Shooting Incident

A shooting incident at an Oklahoma State University (OSU) dormitory resulted in…

Felony Charge Against California Labor Leader for Immigration Protest Downgraded

In Los Angeles, the head of a Southern California labor union, arrested…
On is sued over running shoe's allegedly "loud, embarrassing" squeak

Running Shoe Company Faces Lawsuit Over Annoying Squeaky Noise

The popular running shoe brand, On, is facing legal action from several…
'No Kings' protests take place in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville Protests Ignite: ‘No Kings’ Movement Challenges Authority

Protesters took to the streets in Jacksonville on Saturday, showcasing an array…
Russian mercenaries replace Western forces as ISIS surges across Africa's Sahel region

Russian Mercenaries Step In as ISIS Resurgence Challenges Security in Africa’s Sahel

Experts suggest that the exit of U.S. and European troops from African…
Convicted child killer of Etan Patz must be retried by June deadline or walk free from custody: judge

Urgent Retrial Deadline Looms for Convicted Child Killer of Etan Patz: Freedom at Stake

In a significant development, a federal judge has ruled that a man…
Orionid Meteor Shower returns | What to know

Spectacular Orionid Meteor Shower 2023: Essential Viewing Tips and Peak Dates Revealed

Prepare to witness nature’s celestial display as the Orionid meteor shower returns…
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…

Remembering Sam Rivers: Limp Bizkit Bassist’s Impactful Legacy Lives On at 48

Sam Rivers, the bassist and a founding member of the iconic band…
Medicare costs are rising in 2026. Here's how to save during open enrollment

Unlock Savings: Navigate Rising Medicare Costs with Expert Tips for 2026 Open Enrollment

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, nearly 64% of Americans are…
Jaguars fans rally at Culhane's despite London loss

Jaguars Fans Unite at Culhane’s After Tough London Match

Jaguars supporters flocked to Culhane’s Irish Pub, hoping for a victory, only…
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…